Stearns, Willard 1916-1961

STEARNS, BUEHRE, DOERING, ROJAS, ROSEBERRY

Posted By: Glenna Rice, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/9/2012 at 07:06:16

Willard Stearns

Willard R. Stearns, 44, of Long Beach, California, a former LeMars resident, died Sunday of a heart attack at Methodist hospital in DesMoines. He had been visiting his parents at 1630 Northwest drive in DesMoines.

He was born at LeMars and moved to Long Beach 15 years ago. Stearns was a member of the Elks --- search for the Bendix Corporation.

He was a Marine veteran of World War 2 in the Pacific theather and was a prisoner or war for 3 1/2 years.

He was not wounded but his long capivity by the Japanese told on his health. Some years ago he submitted to a critical heart operation from which his recovery was dramatic. Another well known LeMars prisoners of the Japs at Corregidor was Bob Kelly, now county treasurer. Mr. Kelly was also in poor health when he was released by the American army. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. After his military service, he attended the Applied Physics Laboratory at John's Hopkins Un--- Baltimore, Maryland. Stearns was a member of the Elks -- Presbyterian church.

Survivors are his wife, Lillian; a daughter, Mrs. Janice Rojas of Long Beach, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Stearns of Des Moines.

Mr. Stearns is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Stearns of Des Moines. His mother is the former Florence Roseberry, sister of the late Clarence Roseberry of LeMars. His aunt, Mrs. Clarence Roseberry, lives in LeMars.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

LeMars Globe Post
Monday, September 18, 1961
LeMar, Plymouth, Iowa

Family Note: Obituary appears as printed. It seems to have some omissions.